Category: Obituaries

Trent Parker passed away March 16, 2018 in Tyler, Texas. He was born May 9, 1944 in Denver, Colorado to Tim and Delores (Dee) Parker. He was the oldest of their three children. Trent enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, playing guitar and most of all spending time with his family. He had a special place in his heart for animals, especially those who had been abused or abandoned. He was preceded in death by his father Tim, the love of his life, wife Jean and his step-son James Powell. He is survived by his mother, Delores (Dee) Parker, brother Chris Parker and wife Charlene and sister Judy Parker Bragg and husband Eddie. He leaves three grieving children, son Jason Parker and wife Emily, daughter Staci Parker Smith and son Jade Parker. He would tell you that he had the most amazing grandchildren and that he was beyond blessed with them. Grandchildren include Kenneth (Tyler) Parker, Madison Parker, Timothy Smith and Noah Parker. Trent has a very large family, but he was especially close to his cousin, Mary Parker Griggs, his cousin who helped him through the difficult time after Jean’s passing. His children will be forever grateful for your love and care. Special thank you to his friend, Peggy O’Rourke for all the trips to Dallas and adventures at Buccee’s, he really looked forward to yall’s adventures. Trent will be missed deeply by many, but he will never be forgotten. Until we meet again, we love you!

Services will be Wednesday March 21, 2018 at 10 a.m. in the Chapel at Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home, Athens Texas.

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Anne Vessels, 71, was born on November 10, 1946 to James and Gladys Munns in Denison, Texas. Anne passed away peacefully on March 17.

Anne was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who also loved her animals. She was a longtime resident of Payne Springs and a devoted member of the Payne Springs United Methodist Church. Anne was a talented seamstress who enjoyed needlepoint and quilting.

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Mildred Opal Smith Slaton was born on February 13, 1930 in Athens to William H. Smith and Maye Miller Smith Crossley. She passed away on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in Athens, Texas.

Mildred is survived by her sons: Odean Slaton and wife Peggy of Athens, David Slaton and wife Brenda of Rusk, Dennis Slaton and wife Michele of Jacksonville; sister: Rita Perry and husband Lloyd; brothers: Rex Crossley, Roland Crossley and wife Sharon, and Roy Glynne Smith and wife Charlene. She was preceded in death by her parents as well as her husband Weldon Slaton; her son, Dale Slaton; brothers, Garvin Smith, Drayton Smith, and Waylen Crossley. She is also survived by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

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Bruce Nelson Gallager, age 64, husband of the recently departed Mary Jo, owner of East Texas Books, died on February 15, 2018. A Requiem Mass will be offered at St. Matthias Episcopal Church, Athens on Saturday, March 17, 2018, 10:30 a.m. St. Matthias is located at 205 Willowbrook Dr.

Reception to follow in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Matthias Episcopal Church in remembrance of Bruce.

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Trudie “Jackie” Matthews Cook, 83, loving mother and grandmother of Stephens AR went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 9, 2018. After a courageous battle with cancer. She passed away at home which was her request.

Jackie was born on her family farm in Crossroads community on November 15, 1934 to Willie Clinton and Trudie Emaline Matthews.